Deepak Narula, an IIT Kanpur alumnus and founder of Metacapital, will deliver the keynote address at Columbia Business School’s MS and PhD graduation ceremony on May 16, 2026.
Columbia Business School is set to welcome its MS and PhD candidates for graduation next month, with a notable speaker taking the stage. Deepak Narula, a prominent Indian American investment leader and the founder of Metacapital Management, has been chosen as the distinguished keynote speaker for the ceremony scheduled for May 16, 2026.
For Narula, this occasion is not just a professional milestone; it is a heartfelt return to the Morningside Heights campus where he earned his PhD in Management Science in 1989. His journey from student to industry leader embodies a narrative of global ambition and success.
Deepak Narula’s roots are firmly planted in India, where he began his academic journey at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering, joining a group of Indian scholars who have significantly impacted Western finance through their rigorous technical training.
His connection to India remains strong, as evidenced by his recent recognition with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kanpur, honoring his contributions to the field of investment management.
Narula’s ascent in the American financial sector began with a pivotal decade at Lehman Brothers, where he played a key role in leading mortgage strategy and trading. In 2001, he founded Metacapital, a firm that gained international recognition for its adept navigation of the 2008 housing crisis. By 2012, his flagship fund was ranked as the top-performing hedge fund in its category by Bloomberg.
Beyond his professional achievements, Narula’s return to Columbia signifies a bridge between his dual identities. Having served as an adjunct professor at the Business School, he exemplifies the “brain gain” of the Indian diaspora, bringing specialized knowledge from India’s top institutions to the heart of New York’s financial district.
As Columbia prepares for its 2026 commencement, Narula stands as a testament to the enduring connection between India’s academic excellence and the American dream. His address is anticipated to offer valuable insights and guidance for graduates as they navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy.
According to The American Bazaar, Narula’s keynote is expected to resonate with the graduates, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions in a rapidly evolving world.